By F.C. Kumar. For gay men like me, maintaining celibacy is a long drawn and eternal struggle. While some religions like mine allow for sexual relations within marriages, LGBTIQ+ people who choose to be true to our sexuality and identity won’t enjoy this same leeway in this country.

“Mel, I think I’m gay.” I stared at you for a long time. You looked away from me. It was our year of trying everything once. I thought you were just trying it out. But you were sure that you were not sure. As unsure as you were scared.

“One good thing about living in Sarawak is that the general attitude is quite open-minded and tolerant, if not accepting. I see it in the way we treat different people from different race, gender, and age. I hope the whole country can head in the direction of Sarawak.”